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There are a few makers of hatches and ports left in the world today, several mentioned in this post will 'get the job done'. From our experience, plastic ports just don't seem to last as long as metal ones. We have also found that extruded hatches and ports tend to be much weaker then cast, and are not as easy to repair when the time comes due. On many boats, especially those in salt water, lower quality metal hatches and ports will rust over time.

In terms of sealing around the frame of your hatches or ports, we recommend Silicone as well. We used to use Butyl Tape, but it can be very messy, and doesn't seem to provide as good of a seal. Often just a small bead of Silicone around the edge of the frame, and a little around each screw hole, will work great as a sealant. Fresh Silicone often 'squeezes' out once you start tightening the frame to the boat, we often recommend taping off around the frame, and allow the glue to 'tack' up before trying to clean up - otherwise you may just spread wet silicone everywhere else.

There are stronger adhesives available, but we find the silicone seal lasts for more then 20 years before needing to be re-sealed. This is often perfect timing to have them re-furbished and put back on the boat with new sealant.

If you are still having issues finding something of high quality and that fits into your pre-existing cutout, feel free to PM me and I will help direct you as best we can. Thanks.

12-08-2012 01:03 AM

olson34

Re: Port windows replacement

Speaking of replacement opeining ports...

This line of ports has been around for decades. I have heard good reviews, but have never installed any.
You might want to check on the cut-out sizing.

I'll second the New Found Metal Ports of any type. Replaced my old plastic ports with the New Found Metal bronze ports. Very well made.

12-07-2012 06:49 PM

Ocean88

Re: Port windows replacement

I have a Morgan Classic 1988 and one of the portllights(Lense) just cracked. How do I find out what model it is? Lewmar said I had to send them a picture. Any other technique?

09-08-2012 12:11 PM

arf145

Re: Port windows replacement

Beckson highly recommends a good construction silicone--Dow Corning 795 I believe. I know I know, silicone is the devil. I use butyl for everything, but I used the silicone Beckson recommends when I installed a couple of their ports. Wasn't sure that the butyl would be compatible.

09-07-2012 11:38 AM

Romario

Re: Port windows replacement

Ordered 4 beckson 714. Do I need anything besides butyl tape? Do the ports come with all the screws that I need to install it?

09-04-2012 08:46 PM

bigdogandy

Re: Port windows replacement

I bought a set of the NewFound Metals tri-matrix ports a while back that I will be installing this fall. They are much higher quality than the old Becksons, and the tri-matrix ports were about half the cost of similar sized stainless or bronze. If you plan to keep the boat for a while they are a great investment. I agree that you need to make sure you have uniformly solid surfaces inside and out and use the butyl tape for bedding.

09-04-2012 07:48 PM

captainjay

Re: Port windows replacement

Don't kill yourself, go to the hardware store and get some Great Stuff Foam, get the minimally expanding version made for doors and windows. Fill the gap with this. Pick the closest hatch you can find size wise, slightly larger and just trim out the openings to fit. I would check Great Lakes Skipper he sells new surplus and has deals if you can find a size that fits.
Jay

09-04-2012 07:02 PM

hellosailor

Re: Port windows replacement

Romario, if the cabin side is not solid (filled) then it will flex, which in turn will make the rim of the portlights flex, which in turn will give you stress cracks and leaks at some point, from some part of the portlight. Bottom line, if the whole rim is not clamping down on the cabin side with uniform pressure on all parts, all fastenings? Something is going to localize stresses, and crack or leak. Sooner or later, but it will.

09-04-2012 04:46 PM

bvander66

Re: Port windows replacement

I have replaced some of our ports with the brass new found metal ports, little pricey but outstanding quality, kind which will last a long time. If you order them make sure you also order the buytl rubber, works a lot better than chauking.

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